Temporary throw screens to be installed along Southern Expressway

The State Government will commission the installation of temporary throw screens on all remaining bridges over the Southern Expressway to combat rock throwing in the area.

“The State Government takes this issue extremely seriously and the installation of temporary throw screens will help keep motorists safe until permanent screens are installed,” Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll said.

“The installation of these temporary throw screens will begin in three weeks and will take around two months to complete, weather permitting.

“The Marshall Government is getting on with the job and delivering a broad range of measures to help prevent this disgusting behaviour and keep South Australians safe on our roads.

“The installation of throw screens will occur alongside CCTV camera upgrades and the installation of mesh and fencing over and around rock embankments along the Southern Expressway.

“Upgraded CCTV cameras are already complete and operational at the Flaxmill Road and Beach Road Bridges and will continue to be upgraded along the Southern Expressway.

“The installation of mesh over loose rocks near the Honeypot Road bridge has been completed and will now begin at the Beach Road bridge.

“Bridges have also been numbered to make reporting of alleged instances to SAPOL easier.

“SAPOL have also increased their efforts to prevent and apprehend those committing these despicable acts through Operation Watercolour.

“Operation Watercolour has seen more SAPOL resources used to address this issue including the use of the dog squad, the police helicopter, mounted and bicycle patrols, as well as general patrols.”

The announcement of additional measures comes amid reports that the previous Labor administration failed to install throw screens despite receiving a report 16 months ago highlighting the high risk of potential rock throwing incidents at the majority of bridges.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that the then Labor Government knew these bridges were high risk and failed to act and install throw screens,” Minister Knoll said.